rallying cry

USAGE SUMMARY

'rallying cry' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that is said or done in order to encourage people to act in a particular way. For example: "The rallying cry of 'Keep calm and carry on' was used by the British people during World War II to encourage resilience and bravery in the face of adversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rallying cry fell flat.

The New York Times

It's quite a rallying cry.

Independent

That rallying cry is long overdue.

The New York Times

Ms. Brown posted a rallying cry.

The New York Times

It is a rallying cry".

The Guardian - Opinion

She's giving listeners a rallying cry.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's become a real rallying cry".

The New York Times

This case has become a rallying cry".

Independent

The country today needs another rallying cry.

The New York Times

"My rallying cry is work, work, work.

Independent

"We needed a rallying cry," Nager said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rallying cry" when you want to emphasize a phrase's power to unite and motivate a group towards a common goal.

Common error

Avoid using "rallying cry" for everyday slogans or catchphrases that lack a strong unifying or motivational purpose. A true "rallying cry" should inspire collective action and a sense of shared identity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rallying cry" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its role in naming or identifying a phrase used to motivate or unite individuals. The examples show it describing different phrases, movements, and concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rallying cry" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a slogan or motto that inspires and unites people for a common cause. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it’s important to reserve it for phrases that genuinely motivate collective action, not just any slogan. Alternatives include "call to arms" or "motivational slogan". Remember to use "rallying cry" when you want to emphasize the power of a phrase to galvanize a group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

call to arms

A more forceful and direct incitement to action, often implying a sense of urgency or conflict.

motivational slogan

Emphasizes the intent to inspire and motivate, similar to a "rallying cry" but perhaps less directly action-oriented.

unifying principle

Focuses on a core belief that brings people together, rather than an explicit call to action.

inspiring motto

Highlights the motivational aspect of a phrase, often used to encapsulate the values or goals of a group.

battle slogan

Suggests a more aggressive and combative tone than a typical "rallying cry".

catchword

A popular word or phrase that captures a prevailing sentiment, but may lack the call to action inherent in a "rallying cry".

watchword

Implies a guiding principle or a reminder of core values, with less emphasis on immediate action.

declaration of purpose

A formal statement outlining the objectives and intentions of a group or movement, serving as a guiding principle.

principle of unity

Focuses on a shared belief that binds people together, lacking the element of active mobilization.

theme song

A song associated with a specific event, person, or organization that express the values

FAQs

How can I use "rallying cry" in a sentence?

Use "rallying cry" to describe a phrase that inspires and unites people for a cause. For example, "'Equality for all' became the "rallying cry" of the civil rights movement."

What phrases are similar to "rallying cry"?

Alternatives to "rallying cry" include "call to arms", "motivational slogan", or "unifying principle", depending on the specific context.

Is "rallying cry" formal or informal?

"Rallying cry" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts when describing a phrase that galvanizes support for a cause. However, avoid using it casually for slogans that do not inspire significant collective action.

What's the difference between "rallying cry" and "slogan"?

While both are short, memorable phrases, a "rallying cry" specifically aims to unite and motivate people towards a shared goal or cause, whereas a "slogan" is a more general term for a promotional or advertising phrase.